Upper shoreface

For the lower portion of the seafloor, see Lower shoreface.

Upper shoreface refers to the portion of the seafloor that is shallow enough to be agitated by everyday wave action, the wave base.^[1]

Cross-bedded upper shoreface sandstones

Wave base diagram.

Process

The continuous agitation of the sea floor in the upper shoreface environment results in sediments that are winnowed of the smallest grains, leaving only those grains heavy enough that the water cannot keep them suspended. ^[1]

Depth of influence

Seawater is moved in a vertical circular motion when a wave passes. The radius of the circle of motion for any given water molecule decreases with depth.

The maximum depth of influence of a water wave is half the wavelength. Below that depth the water remains stationary as the wave passes.

For instance, in a pool of water 1 foot (0.30 m) deep, a wave with a wavelength of 1 foot (0.30 m) would not be able to cause water movement on the bottom. However, a wave with a 2 feet (0.61 m) wavelength would be moving the water (barely) at the bottom.

See also

• Sedimentary structures
• Dispersion (water waves)
• Waves and shallow water